#that if worship and devotion ever existed that it was in our hearts

[dragons1re]

What if I were an angel and you were a demon and we loved eachother so much it changed everything??

[appleblueberry-pie]

I need a guy that isn’t “I almost lose my mind when I’m with you” but actually does. Like get lost in the sauce of our love fr fr. Go crazy go stupid. On GOD I need a pet boyfriend 😔 a devoted, all worshipful, loyal servant. Like please bae glare at everyone.

Anyway- can we have some feral obsessed hcs for Yuuta, Gojo, and Geto? I have an actual obsession problem with uninterested reader so that’s the plot. Just a couple of besties with one who wants to not just be besties 🫶😔

ok lightwork.

Yuuta

Everyone you're close with gets in the crossfire.

He doesn't give a damn. If they know you, he knows about them with or without their consent. It's uncomfortable, the amount of information he knows about every single person that you know. If you have enough knowledge to remember at least one significant thing about them, he will find a way to find out who they are, where they life, how they know you and other important things. Like age, sex, where they work and live.

Will fight people. Just not in front of you because you don't deserve to see that. When you're not there, he will not be seen by anyone in the public eye. People that hit on him get ignored completely or told off in a very rude way.

When you give him attention? He's soaking up every single piece of it and even tries to pull so much more out of you. Worships your body, every single action you take, every word that leaves your lips and even just loves when you're just being. You being present is enough to send him over the edge. Period.

Gojo

No one else matters but you. Only you and him exist in his universe. Where you live, what you've done in your life and what you two plan to do together later in life are the only things that matter to him. Don't ever mention hypothetical scenarios where you and him break up because it will never ever fucking happen, don't even try it.

When someone breaks the space between the two of you, he will not hesitate to intimidate him. That american type of angry. Stare them down, size them up, back them into a corner type of pissed. Won't give a fuck. If he has to eradicate someone in front of everyone, so be it.

Loves to stare at you. You're all he sees. If you're mad at someone, don't worry. They'll be gone by the time you wake up tomorrow. Everything revolves around what you want, what you need, and what can become possible with him at your side.

Geto

Him and Yuuta are the most similar at what type of worship they bring to the table. Please. He will give you all of his body, time, soul, every damn thing. Just take it. He doesn't care. Have eeeevery piece of him.

Wake up and he's there asking what you need, and he's there at night cradling you to sleep. Hates taking you outside because of those monkeys surrounding you, ruining your personal bubble and stinking the air. It's so easy for you to calm him down when he gets riled up. Just the thought of you being taken away from him by a monkey just pisses him off to no end.

He loves seeing you with his girls. It really makes his heart light and his stomach bubble with happiness. You are everything he's ever hoped for. So strong, so smart, so caring and selfless. You deserve the sun and moon being put in your arms just to keep you happy.

You deserve everything. He'll find a way to get you everything you deserve and more. Just give him a little time to do so.

[macsimagines]

can you do a kakucho babytrap please

YAAAAAAS ITS FIRST INSTINCT WITH THIS GUY

TW: YANDERE BEHAVIOR, MINORS DNI, NSFW, BABY TRAPPING, DUBCON , Y/ngettingwrecked

Yandere!Kakucho (howtfdoeshenothavealastname)

You're everything. No, you don't understand; you're everything. The reason the sun rises and falls, the reason flowers will bloom, you're why music exists and why art has meaning and purpose. You are everything.

Kakucho loves hard and he loves DEEP, and you are caught in the ever crushing weight of it all, because HE LOVES YOU. He needs and worships you and he would do utmost anything for you.

You've accepted him as he is and have let him into the wonderful world that is you and now he can't leave, it would crush him. And the thought of you leaving? Would kill him.

Usually he takes your words like its gospel. Whatever you say is fact and unshakable to him. But for whatever reason... He can't stop the doubt. This never ending hell of his own mind that you're going to realize that you deserve so much more than him.

It's killing him, you even know his insecurities are consuming him and no matter how much you tell him that his devotion is equally reciprocated he knows there is no way.

Would you kill for him like he would for you? Would you burn cities to the ground like he would at your behest? All you have to do is ask and he'd do anything without a second thought, but how could he ever expect that same dedication?

So he starts getting...careless. Forgetting the condom, not pulling out, accidentally throwing out your birth control. He does it enough times that you don't think it's an accident... Its officially a pattern...

Tonight is no different... "B-baby!" you whine, tears falling while he just keeps you pulling you back down onto his cock, eyes focused where you two are connected almost entranced by it, "P-puh-pull out! N-not inside! You pr-promised!"

And suddenly he's growling, a sound that makes your heart stop and your pussy clench tighter because fuck- you love it when he gets scary, and he's flipped you so you're folded in half underneath him while he pistons into you like a man on a mission.

"I said I'd take care of it," he hisses, hips never losing momentum and hands gripping your thighs hard enough to leave some bruises, "And I will, love. I'll take care of you, of us, our baby. Don't worry, lemme handle this."

You want to cry out what baby, but he's fucking you too dumb for you to think about anything other than the way he's absolutely bruising your cervix with every thrust, imprinting every inch and vein of his inside you.

When you cum its a wet mess, you're squirting out so much and he's not even stopping to let you breath, just shoving himself right back in your pussy where he belongs, and filling you up to the point that his cum is just too much, and there isn't enough room in you for all of it.

But today, Kakucho is mean. He's going to force you keep every single drop and not waste an ounce. "That's it. Good girl, take it all."

[foundheavenly]

“I've returned”

Disclaimer: English is not my mother tongue so please be nice :)

Words: 750

Plot: You have been married to Sukuna for centuries until the moment you had find your end. But you're back, reincarnated in a different body, and it's now modern time.

Pairing: sukuna x reader

Theme: angst, comfort, worship, devotion, reincarnation

You had been his wife for years and even if Sukuna hadn't really liked you at the first place, looking down at you only as a pathetic and annoying human being, he had learned to get along with you. And with time, the king of curses had learned to love. You had find a way to get underneath his skin and cold attitude. At first, he even hated you for it. He never truly understood how you could do that.

But then you had died and he had been left lonely for the very first time. With your loss, he had become crueler than ever.

A century have passed and he is now back as the strongest curse, possessing the body of a teenager, Yuji Itadori. Sukuna just wants destruction and murder for Jujutsu Society. However, he wasn't ready to see you, in the crowded streets of Tokyo, reborn.

You have awaken in a world far different from the one you remembered. The air was different, the sounds unfamiliar, and the surroundings alien. As you gathered your bearings, you realized that you were in a new body, a vessel that felt both strange and yet strangely familiar. And you didn't know how it could even possible.

Memories from centuries past flooded your mind. You were once known as the queen of curses, and you had shared a love that transcended time and death with Sukuna. You had been inseparable, bound by a connection that defied the mortal coil. Until the day you met your end by the hands of one of the strongest sorcerer from your time.

But you had been given a second chance at life. As you navigated this new existence, you couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. It was then that the memories of Sukuna and your centuries-long bond resurfaced.

Driven by an inexplicable force, you sought him out. In this bustling city of skyscrapers and technology, you knew you had to find the one who had been left alone for so long. The one who had showed you unconditionnal love and devotion. Your heart, now beating in a mortal chest, quickened with anticipation. Because you could feel him around, his loneliness and rage echoed through the surroundings.

It didn't take long to sense his presence. Sukuna, the ancient being you had loved for eons, was still there. As the wind blew through your hair, you felt a strange yet strong sensation down your spine. You felt like someone was watching you. You looked around quickly and, to your surprise, it was him. You frowned as you became aware of this new, young body he was in, but you didn't care. You could feel it in the depths of your being. You felt an overwhelming sense of affection coming through. You wanted to rush to his side but you control yourself.

As your eyes met, recognition flickered in his red gaze. Time seemed to stand still as the weight of centuries bore down on you. There was a mixture of surprise, disbelief, and a spark of something deeper—something that transcended the boundaries of time.

He continued to stare at you, his expression unchanging as always. But you could feel it. He was relieved to have you back. Then he titled his head.

"Sukuna" You whispered as you were quite shocked, the name carrying the echoes of your past. "It's me. I've returned."

His eyes softened with a mix of emotions, and a slow, genuine smile spread across his face. The void of loneliness that had haunted him for so long began to dissipate. In that moment, you knew that your love, forged through centuries, had endured and would continue to defy the constraints of time.

A sly grin played on his lips as he looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes. "My queen" He uttered, his voice a rich resonance that sent shivers down your spine. "Time may have changed our forms, but my devotion to you remains unchanged."

He extended a hand, and you took it without hesitation. As your fingers interlocked, the familiar warmth of his touch enveloped you and you couldn't be more relieved to have find your home again.

[lycoryspreachin]

barty is a narcissist. is it surprising? prehaps not, but what it is is very telling of his behaviour and upbringing.

narcissistic personality disorder is of course a difficult thing to describe or analyse over such short and relatively lighthearted writing but i will attempt my best.

barty's character takes various forms of materialisation in my mind and subconscious, however, there are specific traits i never fail to assign him. he is insecure, with no sense of self, has dramatic delusions of grandiosity and out of all the people who viscerally hate him he does the most. if we consider this hypothesis, we are swiftly presented with the scaffolding of what we can imagine barty's childhood to have been. we can easily paint in our minds the crouch's family situation. in the center of the canvas is an unattentive man, careless for nothing but his own grand ambitions. on his right, is a sick but beautiful woman, who heart only beat for barty's own, whose life has been sold and whose future holds only despair. her present, however, lies between her frail and pale hands, her only son. around the gracious trio nothing but high grey walls with cloudy and mighty windows giving out on a large and empty, dull, green land. with no stable structure on which to climb, the lonely child grabs on the unsteady and burning one, his mother. I'm fairly certain barty hates her, so much that he can only ever love her. she the poison in his veins, threatening his life and she is the very organ keeping him alive. her death was the death of his soul, he was sure of it. it left him wondering whether climbing that shaky rock to avoid the flood was worth the fall once it yeld under the stream. it was a humiliation to be alive and he would do all he could to never feel shame ever again.

younger in order to not distress and unleash his mother’s distorted bursts of emotions, he learned to observe her every move, and then everyone every move, he grew paranoid, until he couldn’t trust anyone, until he couldn’t value people anymore, except for his harem of gods of course. he had a very simplistic view of people, you were either absolute scum or absolutely divine and his view of himself often fluctuated between the former and the latter. he lies, he deceives, and he wants, he wants to be seen and heard and considered. he preys on those around him, and he will catch them because he always succeeds in everything he does.

the way he grew up greatly shaped him, or rather, his identity was never shaped due to it. he doesn't exist, he isn't anything and i would go as far as saying he views himself as dead. he devotes his life to the worship of gods he sees around. the god of knowledge, of beauty, of evil and voldemort ( maybe he saw him as the manifestation of all of the deities he followed for so long ). he had gone mad, and maybe he allowed himself to go mad, to be liberated and exist, freely, shamelessly, boundlessly. he sacrificed a life for eternity, an entire existence for a unique remembrance.

and i think within the context of his life he is somewhat dearly and betwitchingly admirable

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Baseer— The All-Seeing, The All-Perceiving, The All-Comprehending — on 42 occasions in the Quran. He is the One whose perfect sight encompasses the whole creation. Al-Baseer has insight into all things and Who perceives every detail, every state of existence, and every circumstance!

The All-and-Ever-Seeing, The Comprehending

Baseer comes from the root baa-saad-raa, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to see or notice, and the second to understand. The third main meaning is to have insight or to perceive, and the fourth is to be precisely aware.

This root appears 148 times in the Quran in 10 derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-absaaru (the eyes), al-basaru (the vision), mubsiratan (visible) and absara (sees).

Linguistically, baseer is on the structure of intensification. Al-Baseer refers to the perfection and the totality of Allah’s seeing, which cannot be compared with the seeing of any other created being.

Al-Baseer Himself says: Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [Quran, 17:1] . . . There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing [Quran, 42:11] . . . And Allah judges with truth, while those they invoke besides Him judge not with anything. Indeed, Allah— He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [Quran, 40:20]

Supervision in worship and worldly affairs

An employee will most likely work harder when his manager is watching him; how much stronger is the effect when we know we are being watched by our creator? When we engage in our worldly affairs, like our job or our interactions with others, we should be aware that there is much more at stake than just the supervision of our boss or even our parents. Al-Baseer loves for the believer to do the best in every work we do, and He will recompense us in the Hereafter far beyond whatever worldly profit we might earn.

This is why the Prophet told us about the formula to live by: Allah loves that when you engage in some work, you do so with proficiency. [al-Bayhaqee] This inspires us to engage in our work with honesty and integrity and this is the best quality assurance for everything a believer does in this world.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Watch your deeds!

How many times have you watched your deeds when certain people were around? As a Muslim one of your tasks is to mind the acts of your limbs and your heart anytime, anywhere, and in any company. A practical tip is to imagine yourself being watched by a camera which follows you 24/7, whether you are with people or all alone. The sight of Al-Baseer cannot be topped by a hundred million cameras.

2. Trust in Al-Baseer at all times.

He sees every obstacle and sorrow you face and everything others do to you, He is the Only One Who only gives you what is good for you at all times. Therefore submit and put all your trust in Him only. Al-Baseer says: And put your trust in the Mighty, the Merciful, who sees you when you stand up (to pray) and your bowing in prostration with those who bow down. [Quran 26: 217-219]

3. Strive for quality.

Knowing that Allah sees everything you do encourages you to be more devoted in your worship, more righteous in your deeds, and kinder to others. This is why Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Excellence in faith is to worship your Lord as if you see Him, and though You do not see Him, know that He sees you. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] Strive for ehsaan (excellence) in every act you do.

4. Persevere.

Al-Baseer reassured the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and says: So wait patiently for your Lord’s decree, for surely you are in Our sight. [Quran, 52: 48] Isn’t it the most comfortable and reassuring feeling for your heart knowing as a believer Your Lord is so close to you and sees and hears everything you go through? When others do injustice to you and no one seems to notice, take strength from the fact that Al-Baseer is seeing them and will recompense them.

5. Believe in the decree of Al-Baseer.

Whenever Allah creates something, grants something, gives life, causes death, guides someone, or allows someone to stray, it is in accordance with His wisdom, His perfect knowledge, and His complete vision that nothing can escape.

Jihaad is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know. [Quran, 2:216] Al-Baseer observes how you respond to His ayaat. Believe that everything Al-Baseer does is a complete tailor-made test for you and only for your own good, even though you might not like it.

6. Seek refuge in Al-Baseer.

Knowing that Allah is the All-Seeing protects the believer from committing sins. Since Allah ‘azza wa jall is taking account of everything we do, there is no escape from Him except to seek refuge with Him. Use the isti’aadhah (saying: a’oodhu billaahi minash-shaytaanir rajeem) a lot in your daily life, in times of anger, fear, and despair.

7. Ask Al-Baseer to bless your sight.

Allah Al-Baseer loves those who use the abilities He gave them for His sake. Did Allah give you eyes to look at forbidden things or to work in unpermitted business? Did He give you the blessing of understanding and having insight, like when you study, for you to be lazy and not care? Ask Him to help you to use your sight and insight only for things pleasing to Him.

8. Make dua to Al-Baseer abundantly.

Al-Baseer sees every hardship you face, so invoke Him and supplicate to Him. Remember at all times; the fact that you are able to make sujood and even say Yaa Allah is a blessing that surpasses all others.

O Allah, Al-Baseer, we know You see every move we make. Aid us to watch our deeds and use our sight and insight for Your sake only, and make us grateful for the blessings of our senses. Protect us from bad deeds, and support us in doing everything we do, in worship and worldly affairs, with excellence, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

[pitaficionado]

Pit Worship III

For most of the following week, I found myself in an inner struggle that would not abate. Each time I thought of Thursday getting closer, my resolve wavered; I wondered if I would actually go through with it again or if last week’s encounter would stay a one-time indulgence. My phone seemed to burn in my pocket, his number saved but untouched, a silent invitation waiting to be answered.

When I was with my husband, things felt different than before. Even as I tried to stay present, flashes of last Thursday would creep in—the roughness of the stud's voice, the thrill of his touch, the tension of those forbidden moments. Guilt mingled with excitement, creating an odd mix of emotions I couldn’t shake. I wanted to reconnect with my husband, to feel that closeness we’d shared for so long, yet my mind kept drifting, my body still feeling the lingering effects of the secret I carried.

Ironically, my lovemaking with my husband became more intense than ever. Every touch, every kiss felt heightened, as my mind kept drifting back to the stud’s scent, the raw power of his body, and the thrill of being with him. It was as if that forbidden memory fueled my passion, igniting something primal within me that I hadn’t felt in a long time. My husband must have noticed, responding to the newfound intensity, pulling me closer, matching the urgency I couldn’t contain. Yet, as much as I was physically with him, my mind couldn’t help but return to the intoxicating memory of the stud’s pits, his scent lingering in my senses like a hidden secret. I wondered if my husband could sense the distraction, or if he simply thought this was a new spark between us. Either way, I was caught in a web of desire and deception, balancing on the edge between two worlds that felt both thrilling and dangerous.

In those moments of intimate disconnection, my resolve to quench my thirst for the stud grew more resolute. Each time I tried to redirect the passion I felt toward my husband, the contrast between our encounters became painfully clear. The thrill of the stud’s scent, the raw energy of his presence, and the excitement of our secret rendezvous filled my thoughts, igniting a longing I couldn’t ignore. The frustration of unreciprocated desires left me restless, stirring a deeper craving for what I had briefly tasted and desperately wanted to explore further.

On Wednesday night, I stared at my reflection, questioning whether I was ready to cross that line again. In the end, desire won over doubt. I found myself texting him, confirming the time for the next morning. His reply was instant, short and direct, a simple "See you then." The routine of anticipation returned with even greater intensity, knowing what to expect this time—and craving it all the more. By the time Thursday morning arrived, I was ready, anticipation electrifying every nerve. As I waited for him to arrive, the thrill of it all heightened, and I knew that, for better or worse, this secret part of my life was just beginning.

After that second meeting, I quickly surrendered to my desire for the stud and his pits. I coveted every session I could schedule with him, eager to consume every bit of his scent and musk. With every meeting, I felt like he was pulling me deeper into his orbit, the gravity of his presence becoming impossible to resist. While our first couple of encounters had been solely devoted to the intoxicating pleasure of his pits, it wasn’t long before he began introducing me to other practices that expanded the boundaries of my desires. He would casually suggest new things, teasingly guiding me to explore sensations that made my heart race and my cheeks flush. Each time I surrendered to his suggestions, I felt a mix of exhilaration and trepidation; it was as if he was unlocking parts of me I hadn’t known existed.

When the stud casually floated the idea of fucking me in our married bed, I hardly hesitated. His words hung in the air, electrifying the moment, and I was so deeply buried in the crevice of his pits that the suggestion felt like an irresistible command. The scent enveloped me, intoxicating and primal, and in that vulnerable state, my mind raced with possibilities. The thrill of breaking boundaries, of taking this secret to a place that was so intimately mine, sent shivers down my spine.

There was something both exhilarating and dangerous about the notion, a rush that amplified the connection between us. I could almost envision the contrast of his powerful form against the soft sheets of my bed, a collision of worlds that heightened my desire. In that moment, I surrendered completely, swept away by the excitement of what lay ahead, ready to embrace the thrill of living out my fantasies in the most forbidden of settings. It felt like a line had been crossed, and I was eager to see just how far we would go.

After his tantalizing suggestion, the atmosphere between us shifted, thick with unspoken possibilities. I could feel my pulse quicken, heart racing as I considered the audacity of it all. I took a deep breath, inhaling his intoxicating scent once more, letting it fuel my excitement. In a moment of boldness, I nodded, my voice barely a whisper as I replied, “Let’s do it.”

Once we were in the bedroom, the stud wasted no time, pinning me to the bed, his strong hands gripping my wrists as he held me in place. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, the palpable energy making my heart race even faster. He leaned in closer, and I was overwhelmed by the scent of his skin—the heady aroma of his sweat mixed with the lingering notes of his cologne, sending waves of desire coursing through me.

He took his time, teasing me as he moved in and out, ensuring that I was fully aware of every sensation. I felt myself becoming increasingly lost in the moment, every thrust igniting a fire within me. But it was when he shifted his position, raising his arms to flex his biceps that I felt completely undone. The sight of his muscular pits, glistening with sweat, drew me in, consuming my senses. The warmth enveloped me, and I instinctively leaned forward, burying my face deep into the recesses of his pits, inhaling that intoxicating scent that had become my obsession.

For what felt like an eternity, he alternated between powerful thrusts and teasing moments, guiding me to the edge repeatedly. Each time I felt myself getting close, he would flex, showcasing those beautiful pits, coaxing me to surrender completely. The way he dominated the moment, balancing pleasure with teasing restraint, was exhilarating. I felt myself spiraling deeper into bliss, the combination of his strength and scent sending me into a frenzy.

As the climax built within me, I lost track of time, completely absorbed in the experience. The world outside ceased to exist; all that mattered was the intoxicating blend of physical pleasure and the raw, heady aroma of his body. Each moment was a thrilling dance between domination and surrender.

[grimmswan]

Love Bites (But So Do I) part 2

For Captain Swan Supernatural Summer 23

Once Upon a Time : Captain Swan : Supernatural Steampunk AU

“This situation seems dodgy to me.” Killian observed, looking over the file. “These attacks seem too well planned. Too calculated. The residents, as well as the staff, were never in the house during an attack.”

Emma agreed with her partner.

“The beast destroys the door getting inside the home. Overturns and breaks several pieces of furniture. But is careful opening up cabinets?” She looked at Killian. “When we’ve had to force our way into places, you’ve never needed to splinter the entryway door. It’s like this beast is going out of its way to prove its wild and violent.”

Sensing there was more to this case than simply a werewolf on a rampage, the two thought it wise to go undercover.

By blending in and mingling with the types of people who were targeted, they hoped to discover the truth about the thefts.

But first, they needed to visit a friend who would fit them out with reinforced armor.

Love Bites

“I think you’ll like this.” August, the second finest craftsman in the city, held up a sleeve made up of copper and leather. “It will fit over your arm when you’re in your wolf form. This will give you an advantage over any opponent.”

The leathers would do well to protect Killian from an attack.

Sliding it on, Killian shifted, getting a feel of the fit.

“You look incredibly sexy.” Emma purred, running her hands over his leathers and chest. “You should wear these at home. We can break them in.”

“Not just yet, you two.” August said with a laugh. “We need to make a few more adjustments for the fittings to be perfect. The last thing we want is your armor slipping off during a fight.”

While Killian dealt with his armor, Emma looked around the shop

“Is the werewolf your lover?” Geppetto, August’s father, and the one who taught the second best craftsman everything he knew, asked.

“He is my mate. My husband. My partner in all of the ways that matter.”

“He will be eternally devoted to you. If you should ever take another lover, he would likely go insane, and become savage. He exists solely for you, now. If you grow tired of him, it would be better to kill him, than break his heart. I would advise caution.”

“I’m not foolish enough to ruin my own happiness. I know what I have. And I know I would never find anything better. Anyone who tries to come between my beloved and I should be the one to take caution.”

“No one will take you from me.” Killian growled, coming up behind Emma and wrapping her in his arms. “I have lost too much. I won’t lose you.” He buried his face into her hair, deeply inhaling her scent, seeking comfort.

She lifted her hand and stroked the side of his face. Turning her head toward him, she looked at him in adoration. “My beloved beast. We will destroy whomever is foolish enough to try to come between us.”

They paid the craftsmen for the items, then said their goodbyes. Eager to return home.

Love Bites

Emma sighed happily as she laid naked on the bed. Her lover, in his wolf form, hovered above her with blatant hunger in his eyes.

She widened her legs and stretched out her form, placing her hands above her head, allowing her lover full access to her body.

He licked a long stripe up her body. Starting between her legs and moving over her stomach and breasts.

"Oh Killian," she moaned, "I love your tongue."

That seemed to encourage him to continue licking her.

She loved getting him riled up, so that he would pounce on her and ravage her.

She also loved it when he would take his time and worship her body with his eyes, hands, and tongue.

Emma discovered that the werewolf’s libido increased with the approach of the full moon. Though there was never a night where Killian didn’t want her, he always needed her the week before and the week after a full moon. In the days surrounding the slimmest moon phases, he was not as desperate to have her and Emma was able to play with and tease him for much longer.

There were times he would not be able to control himself. His desire for her would cloud his judgment, making everything disappear save for the urge to press himself to Emma.

She had to laugh at times when she would be doing something as simple as taking a dust rag to a high reaching shelf. Just as she had stretched out her body, Killian would be right behind her, rubbing his prominent organ against her ass.

“Emma” He would groan. Panting heavily as he tore their clothes from their bodies.

Sometimes he would simply wrap his arms around her and hold her to him as he thrust into her. Other times he would carry her somewhere, so he could have more leverage.

Emma was certain that if she hadn’t been a vampire, she would have horrendous bruises all over her body from her werewolf lover.

She could honestly say she had never been happier in all of her existence. Every moment was filled with joy, and immense pleasure.

Well,,,almost.

The one thorn in her side was her ex, and sire, Neal.

They had only known each other a few months when he had turned her.

She had not consented to being turned. He had done it without her permission or informing her.

His motive? He had wanted to keep her young and beautiful forever.

He had assumed that she would stay with him. He had believed that she would be dependent on him.

He had been severely mistaken.

As a human, Emma had always been independent and resourceful. Being turned into a vampire did not change that.

It had not taken her long to figure out everything she needed to.

She had encountered another female vampire who had helped her adjust to her new existence.

Emma was in a junkyard, destroying everything as a way of stress relief.

The two had gotten to talking, and soon Emma had obtained a job dealing with nuisance to society.

Neal hadn’t liked it. Had repeatedly demanded that she quit, and return to him. That she owed him for the eternal life he had given her.

She had repeatedly told him that she wanted nothing to do with him. That she owed him nothing, except for a great deal of pain if he continued to bother her.

Neal had been especially livid when he discovered that she had been partnered up with a werewolf.

He had stormed into Nemo’s office, demanding that he fire Emma.

“As Emma’s sire, I have authority over her.” He stood as straight as possible to make himself appear taller.

He was still much shorter than the water demon.

“You have no power or authority over anyone. Even if I thought there was merit to your concern, I certainly wouldn’t dismiss the lady without reason. Sires only have influence over their progeny if the progeny has feelings for their sire. The laws of the vampires, and of the supernatural council make it clear; if Emma doesn’t want you in her life, then you won’t be in it.”

Neal was forced to leave. Obviously seething with anger.

He regretted turning Emma.

The strength of the mind, will, and spirit often lended to a vampire’s powers.

So though Emma was younger than Neal, she was stronger, faster, and more agile.

To put it simply, she was a more powerful vampire.

If he had kept her human, he would have had the advantage.

But he had feared her losing her beauty.

And now he had lost her.

But he vowed that he would find a way to make Emma obedient to him. 

And kill her werewolf lover.

He often said so right in front of them both.

Usually right before he ran away.

He was no match for Killian or Emma separately. Facing them together would be certain death for him.

They didn’t see Neal as a threat. But they also didn’t put it past him to find something that he could use to gain an advantage.

@cssns

[heyits-milo]

my film teacher rejected my short film idea because it was "unrealistic" so here's the poem that was supposed to be narration for it :D / TW: incel man talking

Dear Cynthia 

A summer's day cannot compare to what I feel around you, a day without your shining presence would throw my world askew. 

A simple glance in my direction can brighten up my day, like a bouquet of roses you're perfect in every way. 

Like petals floating in a bright blue sky, like the vast constellations that swim within your eyes. like birds coming to perch on an old oak tree, oh cynthia my cynthia you were made for me 

You look as if you walked right out of an ethereal dream, an angel sent from heaven who I think about per diem. 

Your beauty knows no bounds, it captivates my every move, my love for you is endless, in my heart is a you shaped groove

You and i are the salt and the sea, the sun and the sky, the flower and the bee

Forever and ever you and me shall be, I love you Cynthia, you were made for me.

Dear Cynthia

You're as beautiful as a meadow, underneath scorching rays, I seek for your everlasting approval, I collapse underneath your praise.

Your presence brings me warmth, like sitting by a hearth. You deserve my everything, your the deity of my earth

A princess you are, proper and prim, and when you smile, oh your smile, the heavens sing a hymn

“How did you get such beauty” everyone shall plea, oh cynthia my cynthia you were made for me 

Like flowers in a field, reeds in a pond, nothing can compare to you, I'd say I'm rather fond.

You an idol, a god, immortal, divine, your existence could spread joy across the entire world, i cant believe your mine.

You and I are the clouds and the rain, red and blue, love and pain.

An intertwined existence of which we can't flee, I love you Cynthia, you were made for me

Dear Cynthia

My love for you was inevitable, displayed within the stars, like Romeo and Juliet, a light of which is ours.

I will never let go of you, forever hold you in my arms, i'm your most devoted follower, i have fallen for all your charms.

You're a goddess, gorgeous, exquisite, sublime, I worship your existence, to not would be a crime.

The world is a cage but with you i'm free, oh cynthia my cynthia you were made for me.

Your eyes tell me you'll love me everyday, no matter what may come you'll be there to stay. 

Yet your action speak more, you leave me alone, ill do anything to please you, anything to be known

You and I are black and white, yin and yang, day and night.

A pair made in heaven we shall be, i love you cynthia you were made for me

Dear Cynthia

Today I saw you cry, I hate to witness the pain you face. I think I'd rather die.

But i'm quick to comfort you, provide what you need, but would you do the same for me, i think you'd let me bleed.

I deserve to feel your admiration, your devotion, your love. Yet you use me like an item, something akin to a lowly glove. 

I'd give my everything to you, my heart, my glee, oh cynthia, my cynthia you were made for me.

Each day without you by my side is a devastating curse, each day you pull away from me will only make it worse. 

I long to gaze at your beauty, to bask in your glow, i will follow you until you end of the earth, you with me in tow

You and I are a cat and a mouse, a shark and a fish, an owl and a grouse

Forever and ever you and me shall be, I love you Cynthia, you were made for me.

Dear cynthia

Why must your betray our love and leave me all alone, without me you are nothing, for your sins you must atone

My love for you was endless as large as the sky, yet yours was clearly fickle, you stung me out to dry.

I gave you my everything yet nothing was returned, I deserve to feel your love, it's exactly what I earned.

I will never not be with you, I don't care about your pleas, oh cynthia, my cynthia you were made for me.

You say you're not ready, that you'd prefer me as a friend. But I am deserving of the role, I'm kinder than other men.

They won't treat you like you need, a queen on a golden throne. My love for you will not desolive it's ingrained within my bones.

You and I are like destiny and fate, a dog and its master, fish and bait.

Despite what you say were destined to be, I love you Cynthia, you were made for me.

[dittydipity]

just finished my pla replay and volo makes me giggle and kick my feet. he is so unwell <3

Ever since I became convinced that Arceus really does exist, there has been one question that consumed my thoughts... How can I meet such a being myself? It was in an attempt to answer this question that I originally sought out Giratina and had it tear open that rift in space and time... After all, Giratina wished to stand against Arceus.

you summoned the devil to your side so you could strike god down together. you know within yourself despite all your self-righteousness and haughtiness that you could never hope to rise to divinity and so you plan and you scheme all this to bring it down to your level.

Why? How?! I've devoted myself to Arceus beyond any other! I worshiped it as the creator of our entire world! I bent all of my passion and interest to its study! All the time I've spent poring over the legends… Everything that I've done—! You outsider! It's almost as if you were spat out of the space-time rift just to get in my way!

and your efforts go unheard. how does it feel to have the only acknowledgement you receive from the deity you so worship be to obstruct your wishes. and by proxy.

How? How could this happen?! Almighty Arceus, if you have any heart within you, then tell me… The blood of the ancient Sinnoh people flows in my veins, does it not?! What is it, then, that you find so lacking in me?!

so now you turn to implore the higher beings once again? your prayers from before may have been answered by the wrong god and that was their mistake. but now even if they are listening, they will not hear you from your place in hell. and that is your mistake.

... and then the azure flute appears in the player's hands right in front of volo gahieojlfaksldg arceus hates his ass SO much volo convinced himself that he was abandoned by arceus and in doing so created the self-fulfilling prophecy

he is simultaneously god's favorite and least favorite plaything frrrr

[feedingtheflockministry]

Living and Dying

By Danny Saavedra

What an interesting dichotomy of thoughts the apostle Paul presents in Philippians 1! First, we’re told that Paul is in prison, but he’s joyful about it because his chains have served to advance the gospel. Then, in verses 18–26, Paul breaks down his thought process concerning his own life. He says that all of this has worked out for his deliverance, giving him “sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Translation? Paul knew his deliverance would either come in freedom from prison to continue to do the work God had for him or in freedom from this fallen world into the presence of Christ forever! In light of this, Paul makes one of the most powerful statements ever recorded: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Jesus Christ is our life. He’s everything good, beautiful, and wonderful. In Him, we find our identity, belonging, and purpose. Our chief end and divine design are to know Jesus, enjoy a relationship with Him, and make Him known. Apart from Christ, life cannot exist and is not worth anything. To live in this world is to live fully in Christ and for Christ.

Paul didn’t desire to advance himself, live his best life, or seize the day. He desired to be with Jesus, grow in Jesus, know Jesus as intimately as possible, and glorify Jesus. And if it was God’s will for Paul to best glorify Jesus by laying down his life, then Paul would be well pleased by the opportunity. Because for the Christian, death is not a defeat but graduation to glory! It’s of infinite and ultimate gain (kerdos: profit, advantage, a winning trade). How so? Because then we will have true, eternal union with Christ without our sinful human nature standing in the way. We’ll be free from distractions, sin, perils, pain, decay, and death. Christ will be right before us to behold with our eyes and worship at His feet. As 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) says, "To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

Paul’s experience in prison—seeing how Jesus had used his chains to advance the gospel, embolden believers, and grow the kingdom in a way he hadn’t previously considered—had cemented for him the understanding that Christ would be exalted whether by his life or death, giving him the “sufficient courage” to face possible death without hesitation, reservation, or regret.

Friends, I pray Paul’s statement would be on every Christian’s heart and mind as they wake up and go to sleep! In the morning, may we pray, “Thank You for this new day, Lord. May everything I do today be for Your glory. And through it, I pray I grow deeper into a loving and close relationship with You.” And in the evening, may we pray, “Lord, I pray for Your will. If I’m granted a new day tomorrow, may it be to Your glory. If You choose to call me home tonight, I will enter eternity with joy to be in Your presence!”

Pause: As you consider the rest of your life, what do you feel God would want to accomplish through you? What would you like to do in the name of Jesus with the time you have left?

Practice: Begin the simple practice of praying something similar to what’s stated above in the morning and evening. Pray this with gratitude and humility, surrendered to His will and out of loving devotion.

YouVersion Bible plan Philippians Whatever happen

[total-volo-takes]

convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco convert to noco

i think I finally figured out what noco is. it's that one emo guy from that fanfic. he looks funny, i like him.

anyway

"The temple lies in ruins now... Columns cracked and broken... Like pillars now turned into spears, stabbing into the heavens..."

"Well, I detect a distinct lack of Giratina."

"Hmm? Is something bothering you?"

"Ah, I do beg your pardon. I suppose I must seem to be behaving strangely!"

"I daresay you deserve to know what I'm really after by now."

"Ever since I became convinced that Arceus really does exist, there has been one question that consumed my thoughts... How can I meet such a being myself?"

"It was in an attempt to answer this question that I originally sought out Giratina and had it tear open that rift in space and time... After all, Giratina wished to stand against Arceus. But that didn't do the trick..."

"So then I had you gather the fragments of the all-encompassing deity, just as the murals of the ruins directed."

"Eighteen plates said to be the fragments of the all-encompassing deity... You hold in your hands seventeen of them. So, you must be wondering: Where is the last one?"

"Why, it's right here!"

"Now hand over the plates you gathered! I will be the one to bring them all together!"

"My desire to meet Arceus cannot be contained any longer! I need to know what it is! I MUST know what it is!"

"If I can meet Arceus myself, then I may also be able to subjugate its power... And using that, I will attempt to create a new, better world!"

"Of course, if I create a brand-new world, then the Hisui region that we currently exist in will be undone and returned to nothing. You, everyone you know, and all the Pokémon living here will vanish in an instant, as if you'd never been."

"If you want to keep this world from disappearing, then face me in battle! Not that you have a choice. Even if you don't wish to battle me, I'm not above using force to take those plates from you."

"Why? Why you?! Why do you have the blessing of Arceus?!"

"Why? How?!"

"I've devoted myself to Arceus beyond any other! I worshiped it as the creator of our entire world! I bent all of my passion and interest to its study! All the time I've spent poring over the legends... Everything that I've done—!"

"You outsider! It's almost as if you were spat out of the space-time rift just to get in my way!"

"No...no, this isn't finished yet!"

"Can't you feel it? The chill creeping through your veins—the eldritch presence icing your heart?"

"Giratina! Strike them down!"

"Turning tail and running? From this puny HUMAN? Pathetic! I was the one to feed you the power you needed so that you could take on Arceus! I was the one who gave you the chance to claw open that space-time rift, driving the deity of space and time mad so that you could drag the creator out from hiding!"

"How? How could this happen?! Almighty Arceus, if you have any heart within you, then tell me..."

"The blood of the ancient Sinnoh people flows in my veins, does it not?! What is it, then, that you find so lacking in me?!"

"Do you mean to tell me that this world doesn't need to be remade?"

"I can't live with such questions... I can't bear not satisfying this ache to know!"

"Answer me, then, anonymous. Do you have some dream that propels you, as I've had?"

I do!: "So you do... Doubtless that dream of yours would never leave room for the dreams of one like me..."

I don't know.: "You don't even know... Then perhaps the day will come when you will suffer and agonize as I do now..."

"I am the great wielder of Pokémon. And you... You battle alongside your Pokémon. In the end, I was alone... But not you. You will fight together with your Pokémon to seize whatever dreams you have."

"Here. Take it... Take the plate that started me on this path—the plate I once received from Giratina."

"My journey is over. My story ended when I lost to you."

"I suppose now you've gathered all of the plates said to exist in this land of Hisui."

"So that's...that's it... The Azure Flute. Heh. It comes to you."

"So Arceus wishes to meet you... Of all people, you had to be the one... Is that why you were brought to this world?"

"Gah! I've no desire to watch from the sidelines as Arceus comes to you! And I absolutely cannot accept a world in which you would ever manage to defeat Arceus..."

"Someday, I'll solve every riddle in the legends of Hisui's Pokémon. And on that day, I'll stand before Arceus at last—No, I will CONQUER it! No matter how many years, how many decades, how many centuries it takes me!"

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Baseer— The All-Seeing, The All-Perceiving, The All-Comprehending — on 42 occasions in the Quran. He is the One whose perfect sight encompasses the whole creation. Al-Baseer has insight into all things and Who perceives every detail, every state of existence, and every circumstance!

The All-and-Ever-Seeing, The Comprehending

Baseer comes from the root baa-saad-raa, which points to four main meanings. The first main meaning is to see or notice, and the second to understand. The third main meaning is to have insight or to perceive, and the fourth is to be precisely aware.

This root appears 148 times in the Quran in 10 derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-absaaru (the eyes), al-basaru (the vision), mubsiratan (visible) and absara (sees).

Linguistically, baseer is on the structure of intensification. Al-Baseer refers to the perfection and the totality of Allah’s seeing, which cannot be compared with the seeing of any other created being.

Al-Baseer Himself says: Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [Quran, 17:1] . . . There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing [Quran, 42:11] . . . And Allah judges with truth, while those they invoke besides Him judge not with anything. Indeed, Allah— He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [Quran, 40:20]

Supervision in worship and worldly affairs

An employee will most likely work harder when his manager is watching him; how much stronger is the effect when we know we are being watched by our creator? When we engage in our worldly affairs, like our job or our interactions with others, we should be aware that there is much more at stake than just the supervision of our boss or even our parents. Al-Baseer loves for the believer to do the best in every work we do, and He will recompense us in the Hereafter far beyond whatever worldly profit we might earn.

This is why the Prophet told us about the formula to live by: Allah loves that when you engage in some work, you do so with proficiency. [al-Bayhaqee] This inspires us to engage in our work with honesty and integrity and this is the best quality assurance for everything a believer does in this world.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Watch your deeds!
How many times have you watched your deeds when certain people were around? As a Muslim one of your tasks is to mind the acts of your limbs and your heart anytime, anywhere, and in any company. A practical tip is to imagine yourself being watched by a camera which follows you 24/7, whether you are with people or all alone. The sight of Al-Baseer cannot be topped by a hundred million cameras.

2. Trust in Al-Baseer at all times.
He sees every obstacle and sorrow you face and everything others do to you, He is the Only One Who only gives you what is good for you at all times. Therefore submit and put all your trust in Him only. Al-Baseer says: And put your trust in the Mighty, the Merciful, who sees you when you stand up (to pray) and your bowing in prostration with those who bow down. [Quran 26: 217-219]

3. Strive for quality.
Knowing that Allah sees everything you do encourages you to be more devoted in your worship, more righteous in your deeds, and kinder to others. This is why Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Excellence in faith is to worship your Lord as if you see Him, and though You do not see Him, know that He sees you. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] Strive for ehsaan (excellence) in every act you do.

4. Persevere.
Al-Baseer reassured the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and says: So wait patiently for your Lord’s decree, for surely you are in Our sight. [Quran, 52: 48] Isn’t it the most comfortable and reassuring feeling for your heart knowing as a believer Your Lord is so close to you and sees and hears everything you go through? When others do injustice to you and no one seems to notice, take strength from the fact that Al-Baseer is seeing them and will recompense them.

5. Believe in the decree of Al-Baseer.
Whenever Allah creates something, grants something, gives life, causes death, guides someone, or allows someone to stray, it is in accordance with His wisdom, His perfect knowledge, and His complete vision that nothing can escape.
Jihaad is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know. [Quran, 2:216] Al-Baseer observes how you respond to His ayaat. Believe that everything Al-Baseer does is a complete tailor-made test for you and only for your own good, even though you might not like it.

6. Seek refuge in Al-Baseer.
Knowing that Allah is the All-Seeing protects the believer from committing sins. Since Allah ‘azza wa jall is taking account of everything we do, there is no escape from Him except to seek refuge with Him. Use the isti’aadhah (saying: a’oodhu billaahi minash-shaytaanir rajeem) a lot in your daily life, in times of anger, fear, and despair.

7. Ask Al-Baseer to bless your sight.
Allah Al-Baseer loves those who use the abilities He gave them for His sake. Did Allah give you eyes to look at forbidden things or to work in unpermitted business? Did He give you the blessing of understanding and having insight, like when you study, for you to be lazy and not care? Ask Him to help you to use your sight and insight only for things pleasing to Him.

8. Make dua to Al-Baseer abundantly.
Al-Baseer sees every hardship you face, so invoke Him and supplicate to Him. Remember at all times; the fact that you are able to make sujood and even say Yaa Allah is a blessing that surpasses all others.

O Allah, Al-Baseer, we know You see every move we make. Aid us to watch our deeds and use our sight and insight for Your sake only, and make us grateful for the blessings of our senses. Protect us from bad deeds, and support us in doing everything we do, in worship and worldly affairs, with excellence, ameen!

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

by J.R. Miller

The Temple Dedicated (1 Kings 8:54-63)

The temple was seven and a half years in being built. It rose silently. The stones were dressed in the quarries and all the timbers were made ready in the shops, so that no ax or hammer was heard in its erection.

Thousands of workmen were engaged in the construction of the temple. The building was magnificent, with its terraced courts, its marble cloisters; then within all this mass of splendor, the temple itself, rising above all, a pile of marble and gold.

Then came the dedication. It was a great day. All that vast and costly building had been erected for a definite purpose. It was not to be a great place of meeting for the people, like a Christian cathedral, or a modern church. While the people came to the courts of the temple, none ever entered the temple itself, except the priests. The temple was built expressly to be the home of the ark of God. It would have had no meaning, but for that little wooden chest, with the golden lid, surmounted by the cherubim. So the first thing when the building was finished, was to carry the ark from its old dwelling place in the tabernacle, which Moses had made for it, to this new abiding place now prepared for it.

We are to be temples of the Holy Spirit. Our lives, however beautiful, cultured, and worthy they may be, do not reach to their real glory or the divine purpose in their existence, until God is enshrined in them. This is the object of our creation and redemption. If we miss having God in us we have failed in our highest purpose.

A great sacrifice was offered. That was the way they worshiped God in those days. The offerings told of praise and rejoicing in the people’s hearts. It was a great day, not only for the king who had built the temple but for the people who had watched its rising. The offerings also spoke of the divine holiness, and of the atonement that must be made for sin. We know that there was no real spiritual efficacy in the sacrifices themselves, which were offered at that service. They had no power to put away sin. They did not cleanse the temple and make it fit to be God’s dwelling place. The Lord did not draw near to the people because of the many animals offered up by them in sacrifice to Him. Yet these offerings had their meaning. They declared that “apart from shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.”

We know, too, that they had another meaning that they prefigured the great all-availing sacrifice, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” There came another day, a thousand years afterwards, when upon another hilltop close by, the Son of God offered Himself without spot to God as the Redeemer of the world. In His sacrifice, He actually opened the way to God for all who will come to Him. The sacrifices which Solomon and the people offered that day, had their fulfillment and their real meaning in Christ’s sacrifice, when on Calvary He gave His life a ransom for many.

After the offering, the ark of God was brought in and taken into its place in the inner sanctuary. This holy apartment was not open to the people. Indeed, no one of them was ever admitted, excepting the high priest. This was not meant to teach that men were really shut away from God; for God is merciful and has always welcomed sinners to Him. The exclusion of men from the Holy of holies, taught that God was holy and that sin could not dwell in His presence. It taught also that access to God can be had only through the Great High Priest. Heaven’s gates are wide open they are never shut; but we can enter only through Christ. “He is able to save to the uttermost all who draw near unto God through Him.”

“The cloud filled the house.” This was the Lord actually taking possession of the house which had been built for His dwelling place. It was not an ordinary cloud at all, as we understand the use of the word, that filled the house that day it was the sacred symbol of the divine presence. It was an expression of the wonderful condescension of God, that He should actually accept an earthly temple as a dwelling place. It showed His love for the people of our race. We understand, too, its remoter meaning. This coming of God into the temple was the prefiguration of the Incarnation, when the Word was made flesh and tabernacled among us. Christ was the true temple. Thus God came down and dwelt with us in very truth.

There is still another fulfillment which is to be realized only in the heavenly Jerusalem. This is pictured for us in the book of Revelation, where we read, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” In another place in Revelation, we have a glimpse also of the same glory: “Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat: for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their Shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

It was a wonderful prayer that the king offered that day at the dedication of the temple. He asked God to accept the house he had built, and make it His dwelling place. We have a temple to dedicate to the Lord. It is a great deal more wonderful building than the house Solomon erected. It is in our own heart! The king asked, “Will God indeed dwell on the earth?” We know that God wants to dwell on the earth, not in houses of marble and cedar and gold but in human hearts. God has two homes, “I dwell in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” So we may have a home for God in our heart, which we can dedicate to Him, to be used by Him as a temple. If we have not yet dedicated it to Him, why should we not do so now? Then God will come into our heart.

It is said of the king: “He arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling. .. with his hands spread forth toward heaven.” There are three things in Solomon’s attitude in prayer which are suggestive.

He prayed before the altar. The altar was the place of sacrifice, and sacrifice meant atonement. All our prayers should be made before the altar; that is, in dependence on the atonement of Christ. That is what we mean when we ask for blessings and favors for Christ’s sake. To pray anywhere but “before the altar” is to pray at unopened doors. We must come in Christ’s name, if we would gain access to the mercy-seat. “No one comes unto the Father but by Me.”

The second thing to notice in Solomon’s attitude, is his posture of kneeling. This indicated reverence, humility, submission. Kneeling is always a fit posture before God. He is infinitely greater than we are, and infinitely holy and good. Kneeling also implies submission. A conquered prince kneels to his conqueror, thus indicating surrender, the laying down of arms, and a full allegiance. Whatever may be the posture of our body in prayer, our hearts should always kneel before God.

The third thing to mark in the king’s praying, is the spreading of his hands forth toward heaven. Holding out the hands open and empty toward heaven, implies that we expect blessing from God and are ready to receive it. This, too, should be part of every true prayer sense of need, confidence that God will give us what we desire, expectancy, emptiness to be filled.

In the building of the temple, Solomon saw the fulfillment of a promise which God had made to Moses hundreds of years before. He praised God for this and testified that not one word of all His good promise had failed. We can say now just as confidently as the king did that day, that in all these centuries since, not one word of all God’s good promise has failed any one of His people. No believer has ever leaned upon a divine promise and had it give way under him. No one has ever trusted the Word of God and had it fail of fulfillment. The most real and sure things in this world are the Words of God. In every one of them, God’s own almighty hand is gloved; we clutch them and find ourselves clutched by Divinity out of whose clasp we never can fall, nor can anyone ever snatch us.

We lean upon these Words, and find ourselves encircled and upborne by the everlasting arms! We pillow our heads in weariness or sorrow upon God’s Words of love and comfort and find ourselves drawn close to our Father’s heart and held in His warm bosom and soothed by His tenderness, which is greater and gentler than a mother’s. So all through life in every experience, we may trust the promises of God and commit all our interests to them, and not one of them ever will fail us. We may trust them, too, in death, and we shall find everything just as God has said the divine presence in the dark valley, dying but going home, and absent from the body being at home with the Lord.

It is a fit prayer to be always on our lips that God may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments. Our hearts are prone to wander and need divine keeping. Fenelon’s prayer was: “Lord, take my heart for I cannot give it to You; and when You have it, O, keep it for I cannot keep it for You; and save me in spite of myself.” God will never compel us to be good and obedient but He will incline us, persuade us, draw us, help us. We need continually, therefore, to pray Him to throw over us the mystic influence of His Holy Spirit, that we may desire holiness and may seek to walk in God’s ways.

Solomon asked that God might not forget his prayers, that they might be kept before Him day and night. Many prayers are for more than one answering. When a mother pleads for her child she would have her petition kept before God day and night. She would have God keep His eye ever on her boy, wherever he may be, whatever his danger may be. It is a precious thought that we do not need to be always reminding God of our desires for our friends but that our prayers stay before Him, are not filed away and forgotten, as are so many requests we make in places of power but are always remembered. Even if sometimes we forget to pray, God does not forget, for He knows our love and our heart’s wishes, and will do more for us than we ask or think. Our prayers are kept in heaven. We are told that God keeps our tears in His bottle that is, He remembers our sorrows, and our cries are sacred to Him!

[mcbex]

The Moon

As followers of Christ we should be like the moon.

I was driving in my car the other day. It was early morning and as I drove along the highway the sun started to rise. I caught its rays in both my side view and rear view mirrors simultaneously. It was so bright I had to look away. So I concentrated on only looking forward and dodged the glare in my mirrors. As I did this I found the near full moon glowing almost as brightly through my windshield. It too was caught in the fiery rays of our nearest star. Except the moon couldn't look away. It stood tall in the combustable face of the universe and reflected back the actual glow of dirt. With this even without looking directly into the sun I can see that there is something out there acting upon our sister planetoid. A force so powerful even dust can't help but magnify it. In the literary and science world this is known as a context clue. Similar things like this exist all around us. We cannot see the wind but we can feel it. We do not know the word but through clues understand it. We cannot hold love and yet, we hold so many different kinds within our hearts. I love the moon. I love its reflection and its constant reminder that we too must glow because we love Christ.

Incidentally and only slightly related, I've come to admire people with tattoos. Merely because I don't think I've ever loved something enough to make the kind of commitment that permanent ink offers. I feel the same way about emotions as I hold onto mine ever so tightly not trusting anyone to know more than just a little. I've been trying to do better and trust more but yes I am in awe of the people who almost always say what's on their mind. Offensive or not it makes no difference. These kinds of people radiate originality. It's the shine that I'm looking for. The context clues that tell me something is what it is because it is. I begin to consider not only the way people engage with others but also the things we worship. To include things that are not of the religious context. Here you can basically fill-in that blank with the first thing you think of in the morning or the last thing you think of before bed. What is jockeying for my attention more than my worship for God? My honesty with myself defeats me because in truth I've worshipped many things that don't deserve my time. Because of that I hold the fleeting words of Ecclesiastes close as I consider this... Meaningless!

I used to think devotion to God made me weird. Praising him felt like I was an imposter. I'm sure I'm not good enough for heaven. Mostly likely everyone can tell. The criminal attitude of a believer is a tool used to keep us quiet and shut us up in tiny spaces. It is only meant to dim our passion. Then I see the 'I raise my hands in praise " people at church. I'm such a misguided person that I often used to wonder if they wanted to look like they loved God more than others. Surely they too felt doubts and fears. Maybe they are the imposters? Turns out they understood God better and merely want connection to the light of the son. Turns out they just want to shine. They are the ones fiercely standing without shade to reflect his glow just like our beloved moon. They are overwhelmed in praise. Now a days I am in awe of this kind of person too. I always wanted to feel so much love that this sort of thing would not make me self-conscious.

I realize the incandescent glow of Christ covers all of it and to really be like the moon we cannot flinch or waver me must peer into the light. Which requires hard work, and leaving traces for people to really see Christ and the work of his hand. Worshiping the creator we are made to be the thing people look for when they want evidence of the truth. Even the earth itself emits the essence of God if you look for the clues that connect everything. It's amazing to me that I ever felt strange about my faith. I'm embarrassed by the person I have been shutting up my love in a blanket. Only taking it out when I was cold. I want to be just like the moon. Fearless, confident and so enamored with his love that everything around me becomes illumated for miles. So when people see me they'll ask, Why do you shine? And you know what I'll do... I'll tell them it's because of the son.

Hebrews 11:1 To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.

James 1:22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

[the-hem]

"Vermillion." From the Ganapati Upanishad.

The color vermillion is the color of Hindu Royalty as it signifies the roaring hot romance between Sri and Hari, “the light at the center of the universe and the removal of suffering.”

The Upanishads all state the only way to find unity within the Center of the Self along with one’s sugar melon is to follow the path of the god of students, who is also decorated with the color of red.

Ganesha is said to have a big gullet because He contains all the knowledge of all the disciplines ever invented. He is molded after a gigantic elephant because one needs giant ears to hear the words of instructors, and must wield such knowledge like a powerful unstoppable beast of burden that requires a minimum of course correction by the walla:

12. Red, with a big belly, with ears like winnowing baskets, wearing red, with limbs smeared with red scent, truly worshipped with red flowers.

13. To the devoted a merciful deva, the maker of the world, the prime cause, who at the beginning of creation was greater than nature and man.

14. He who always meditates thus is a yogin above yogins.

To understand the primary cause of the creation called Brahman, and the maker called the Lord are why we study religion. We yearn to yoke ourselves to something other than the experience the bags of shit we have elected to the governments in Washington DC, Moscow, and Tehran have decided to offer us.

By studying the center of the universe, where our broken hearts lay waiting to be mended we learn there was sufficient wisdom left behind by people just like us for our sakes. None of them would likely believe we have given up modern life on such an amazing world to talk about bullshit all day long with assholes and watch people get maimed, drowned, or starved to death on TV but that is what we are doing. The Upanishad says the only cure is to revisit the reasons God caused this place to exist in the first place. It surely wasn't to create a playground for criminals while the all the lawyers drool in their Starbucks.